To determine if E1A and E7 can functionally complement the lack ofpp71 during HCMV infection, NuFF-1 cells were infected with a Δpp71 HCMV.Δpp71 HCMV has a growth defect in the infection of NuFF-1 cells due to itsinability to activate viral IE gene expression (42). This evidence concerns the gene DHTKD1 and cytomegalovirus infection.